Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

July 14, 2004

Board members present: Rosemary Dolata, Martha Ingram, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, Dave Muschenheim, Mari O’Rourke, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley.

Others present: Ken Avidor, Rachel Foran, Liz Gibson-Gasset, Sarah Linnes-Robinson, and Robyn Repya.

Meeting called to order:
David Motzenbecker called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Community Forum:
Niki Valens informed the board of a festival sponsored by various businesses at the corner of 38th Street and Grand Avenue July 16-18.

Secretary’s Report:
David Motzenbecker said his name had been misspelled in last month’s minutes. Knowles moved, and Valens seconded, that minutes be corrected with regard to spelling, and approved. Motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Sean Wherley moved, and David Muschenheim seconded, that the June treasurer’s report be accepted. Motion carried unanimously.

Committee Reports:
There were no questions or clarifications requests regarding other committee reports.

Year end financials:
Nancy Hansen, the KFNA Bookkeeper, gave the board an overview of the balance sheet and the income and expense statement. Sarah Linnes-Robinson once again requested that all questions regarding specific line items be phoned or e-mailed to her before the monthly meeting, so that she can research the correct response.

Dave Muschenheim again brought up the possibility of setting funds aside in a savings account to accrue some interest.

Staff Reorganization Proposal:
The board appreciated being kept up-to-date about the current staffing problems, and the temporary solutions which have been implemented.

With both Rachel and Liz leaving their positions in October, Wherley moved, and Muschenheim seconded, that KFNA post the position of project coordinator on October l, 2004, with the job to commence on January l, 2005. All voted aye, with the exception of Muschenheim, who abstained.

Contract reviews:
Erik Lindseth moved, and Rosemary Dolata seconded, that the CHI contract be revised by striking references to Sarah Linnes-Robinson, KFNA Project Organizer, and replacing such references with David Motzenbecker, the Board President, to more clearly indicate that the contract is with the KFNA, not with an individual.

Wherley suggested that the 40th Street Bridge contract needed more detail. Lindseth moved, and Martha Ingram seconded, that the contract be referred to the Redevelopment Committee for further consideration. Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Items:
Communications Committee: Linnes-Robinson provided an overview of the history and status of the KFNA website, noting that the lack of volunteers and staff knowledge had kept it from being regularly updated. Lindseth recommended that web knowledge be a priority for new staff hires. Dolata opposed making website experience of greater importance than organizing experience when evaluating prospective staff members.  Motzenbecker suggested that someone research the costs of hiring someone to maintain the website. Lindseth requested that Rachel Foran spend some of her remaining time with KFNA updating the website, and forwarding her suggestions with regard to web software, design, and providers.  Arthur Knowles said that energy spent on improving the website, while necessary, would not enlarge KFNA’s outreach effort.

Small Business Grants: Motzenbecker asked the NRP Steering Committee to consider setting up a program to encourage small businesses to stay in Kingfield.  Wherley said that the idea could be considered when planning for Phase II.

35W Injunction: Wherley noted that KFNA is on record opposing the 35W Access Project, as currently designed, as indicated by two votes during the last four years. Wherley said that the KFNA board must represent the views of the neighborhood and pursue all options. One option is to seek legal counsel to determine if the KFNA has grounds for seeking an injunction against the project. Wherley moved, and Muschenheim seconded, that KFNA approach MAP for Nonprofits and request that the agency post our search for pro bono legal representation, to examine our legal status vis-à-vis an injunction. This motion also authorizes the payment of $400.00 of KFNA (not NRP) funds to MAP for Nonprofits, if such legal counsel is found. All voted aye, save Knowles and Lindseth, who abstained.

Old Business:
Each board member was given five Kingfield Festival posters to distribute before the July 31 event.

New Business:
Board members are encouraged to get out on the “National Night Out” and visit Kingfield parties, offering support and promoting KFNA.

Dave Saddoris issued a report about the 35W Tunnel Project, to which he is the Kingfield liaison. There has been occasional flooding at Blaisdell Avenue & 43rd Street, Lyndale Avenue & 45th Street, and 1st Avenue & 45th Street, especially in 1997.  One mitigation possibility includes water gardens. Saddoris will keep the board updated.

Linnes-Robinson said that all SAFE officers have been pulled from Kingfield, and that the Martin Luther King Park building will be closed the last two weeks of August.  Any committee meetings scheduled during that period must find other venues.

Meeting adjourned: 8:55 P.M.
Minutes submitted by Arthur H. Knowles

KFNA Board Secretary – Sean Wherley
KFNA Board President – David Motzenbecker

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

June 9, 2004

Board members present: Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, Mari O’Rourke, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley, David Muschenheim

Others present: Scott Pampouck, Marie Hauser, Robyn Repya (Southwest Journal), Rachel Foran, Liz Gibson-Gasset, Sarah Linnes-Robinson

Call to Order
David Motzenbecker called the meeting to order.

Community Forum:
Scott Pampouck, formerly of N. E. Tyme, shared his plans to open a new restaurant, Corner Table.  His plan is to incorporate locally grown and organic food in his menu.  Friday and Saturday nights will likely have the biggest draw, and Sundays will be more family-oriented.  He is currently seeking a beer and wine license from the city.  A meeting with the city was scheduled for June 10.

Moment of Silence
Rolf Johnson moved that a moment of silence be observed in honor of former President Ronald Reagan who died June 5.  The motion was seconded, and a moment of silence observed.

Secretary’s Report
There were no changes to the May 19 meeting minutes.  Sean Wherley moved that the secretary’s report be approved.  The motion was seconded.  The report was approved with one abstention (David Muschenheim).

Treasurer’s Report
Ben Kristensen updated the board on his research regarding a possible bank change for KFNA.  An ING account would offer a two percent return on savings.  There is apparently no interest potential for a small business checking account.  More personal service seems to be available working with a smaller bank.  First National Bank of the Lakes is being considered.  The clearest evidence of a problem at Wells Fargo, KFNA’s current bank, is that there are nine names listed as active on the account, in spite of repeated efforts to remove those who are no longer in positions of authority.

David Motzenbecker asked when payments to Sanders Wacker Bergly Inc. would be complete.  Sarah Linnes-Robinson explained that the payments, which are related to the RiverLake Greenway Project, will continue to be paid out until the full amount available is used, or their work is complete.  There is not a specific date.

Arthur Knowles moved to accept the report.  Niki Valens seconded the motion.  The report was approved by an unanimous voice vote.

Nancy Hanson, KFNA’s accountant, had been schedule to attend, but do to unforeseen circumstances her visit was postponed until the July 14 meeting.

Committee Meeting Minutes

Sean inquired about the redevelopment committee pedestrian bridge project, specifically regarding costs.  KFNA’s contribution is expected to be $20,000 to $25,000.  This includes $20,000 already set aside for art at Martin Luther King Park as part of the RiverLake Greenway project.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statements
Board members and staff were asked to state possible conflicts.

1. Rolf Johnson – none
2. David Muschenheim – none
3. Erik Lindseth – none
4. Arthur Knowles – none
5. Dave Saddoris – none
6. Ben Kristensen – none
7. David Motzenbecker – possible conflict with design work related the Corridor Housing Initiative
8. Rosemary Dolata – professional focus on affordable housing is likely to overlap with development of affordable housing in Kingfield
9. Sean Wherley – none
10. Mari O’Rourke – has a decorative paint business
11. Niki Valens – owns business in Kingfield (Victor’s) & owns building where Yemaya mural is located
12. Thor Anderson – paid to do KFNA Newsletter layout & has auto-portrait business
13. Liz Gibson-Gasset – potential fois gras clients in neighborhood
14. Sarah Linnes-Robinson – children enrolled in Judson Preschool & resident of Bryant Neighborhood

Committee Membership Changes/Updates
Communications:  Niki (interested in block club representation), Peter Gold (via email)

NRP Steering:  Sam Zordich (contacted Sarah)
note: no June meeting

Zoning Sub-Committee:  David Muschenheim
note: general invite to all offered by Arthur K.

NRP Project Organizer
Rachel Foran introduced herself.  She is a former Vista Volunteer from Rochester, New York.  She lives in St. Paul and has current part-time position as an independent contractor.  (She doesn’t anticipate a scheduling conflict.)  She has significant experience in grant writing.

Arthur moved that the board accept the Human Resources Committee’s recommendation to hire Rachel as NRP Project Organizer.  Erik Linseth moved that the employment letter be amended to read “The probation period will extend for six months or through December 9, 2004…”  The amended motion was accepted by acclamation.  Rachel will replace Liz Gibson-Gasset, who is leaving the position effective August 1, 2004.

Summer Intern
Diana Sherman, a planning student from M.I.T., has contacted KFNA about a possible work study position.  She is available for eight hours a week.  Seventy-five percent of her position would be funded by M.I.T.  The proposal is that her work focuses on the Corridor Housing Initiative.

Rosemary Dolata moved that KFNA offer Diana a summer position.  Rolf seconded the motion.  Erik offered the following amendments:  1) KFNA will inquire with CHI regarding possible reimbursement  2)  KFNA be authorized to pay up to $5 an hour.  Arthur seconded Erik’s amendments.

The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Paige Fitzgerald’s Resignation
Paige Fitzgerald submitted her resignation via an email to sitting board members.  Erik moved that Martha Ingram replace Paige.  David Muschenheim seconded the motion.  The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

NRP Update
Sean explained Kingfield’s current status in terms of NRP funding, and proposed that our goal should be to spend down Phase I funding to allow us to move to Phase II.  Sean distributed a handout, which showed that Phase I allocated $3,011,144 to Kingfield.  Currently, about $420,000 remains.  To move to Phase II we must either spend 85 percent or contract 95 percent of the Phase I allocation.

Sean requested that neighborhood input be sought for spending Phase I funds.

Seventy percent of Phase II funding must be spent on housing.  Only 10 percent can be spent on administration.  It is estimated that funds are available for two years of existing staffing levels.

It may be possible to get an exemption to receive up to $100,000 from Phase II.  Sean stated that we should do as much housing as possible while we still have staff.  This is why an exemption should be considered.

A neighborhood vote is required to move to Phase II.

Erik suggested designating a five-year contract for staffing as a way to spending down Phase I.  (10 percent limit may be a concern).

David Motzenbecker spoke about the Corridor Housing Initiative and a proposed Kingfield Master Plan as great opportunities.  Each will involve neighborhood input.

Niki pointed out that sometimes people need to be sparked through examples and encouraged working through block leaders.

David Motzbecker suggested forgivable loans or grants for small businesses.

Rolf questioned the effect of waiting for Phase II funding for CHI.  Rosemary responded that it seemed it may cause a delay or slow progress.  Sarah clarified that NRP pay out occurs at the end of a project, so a delay should not be a problem.

Victor’s Site Plan
Niki spoke to the board about how a restaurant remodel and cooler expansion at Victor’s 1959 Café has turned into a significant challenge with the city regarding site issues.  Problems include a requirement for 20 percent landscaping, indirect communication with the city, bike rack locations, possible curb cut elimination and an extended restaurant closure.

A June 16 meeting has been scheduled with Council Member Dan Niziolek.

Erik moved that the issue be referred to zoning and redevelopment.  All voted in favor, except Niki who abstained.

Corridor Housing Initiative Update
David Motzbecker explained that an initial plan has been created for Nicollet Avenue.  Neighborhood input is being sought at the Farmer’s Market, including a “values” survey.  An interactive activity is planned for the Kingfield Festival.

Annual Neighborhood Festival
The festival is scheduled Saturday, July 31 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be a planning meeting June 10.  Each board member should plan to volunteer at least one hour.

David Saddoris suggested a 5K race for next year’s event, and Rolf suggested a tennis tournament.

35W Expansion Update
Sean provided an update of the Crosstown/35W Reconstruction Project planned for 35W from Penn Avenue in Richfield to 42nd Street in Minneapolis.  Bus rapid transit stops, originally proposed (and opposed) at 42nd Street, are now being proposed for 38th Street and 46th Street.

There will be a public meeting at Washburn High School June 14 at 7 p.m.  Sarah thought there may also be a related meeting in Richfield the following night.

Nicollet Ave. Street Lighting
A new petition is being gathered.  A list of property owners has been created.

Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market begins June 13.  A plant exchange will be included.  The market operates from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Sunday.  Thor, Rolf, Rosemary, David Saddoris, Mari O’Rourke and Erik indicated that they would like to have KFNA Farmer’s Market lawn signs.

Motion to Adjourn
Arthur moved to adjourn.  Rolf seconded the motion.  Motion passed by voice vote.
Minutes submitted by Rosemary Dolata.

KFNA Board Secretary – Sean Wherley
KFNA Board President – David Motzenbecker

Kingfield Neighborhood Association

Board of Directors Meeting

May 19, 2004

Board members present: Thor Anderson, Rosemary Dolata, Rolf Johnson, Arthur Knowles, Ben Kristensen, Erik Lindseth, David Motzenbecker, Mari O’Rourke, Dave Saddoris, Niki Valens, Sean Wherley

Board members absent:  David Muschenheim, Paige Fitzgerald

Others present: Chris Deparde, Bob Gilbert (Southwest Journal), Martha Ingram, Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Jim Russell, Jody Tooley

Meeting called to order at 7:07 p.m.

Community Forum:
Jody Tooley of Judson Church discussed its May 22 festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the intersection of 41st Street and Harriet Avenue.

Rosemary moved to suspend the agenda and hold elections for board officers.  Erik seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Board Elections:
Sean nominated Ben Kristensen for treasurer.  Arthur seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Erik nominated Rosemary Dolata for vice president.  Niki seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Arthur nominated David Motzenbecker for president.  Niki seconded the motion.  Thor nominated Sean Wherley for president.  Arthur seconded the motion.  Each candidate answered questions from board members and a secret ballot was conducted.  David was announced the winner.

Sean Wherley nominated himself for secretary.  Erik seconded the motion.  Arthur amended the motion to indicate that the secretary responsibilities would rotate to a different board member each month.  The secretary would be expected to compile a schedule and ensure that minutes are submitted.  Rosemary seconded the amendment.  The amendment passed unanimously.  The amended motion passed unanimously.

Secretary’s Report:
The April 14, 2004 minutes misspelled the names of David Motzenbecker, Kevin Bakewell, and Niki Valens.  It was clarified that the NRP Steering Committee allocated $182,000 for new lighting on Nicollet Avenue, not the city, as indicated on the April 14 minutes.  One final correction was made to reflect that the Corridor Housing Initiative is running three “tracks” of concurrent designs, not “tracts” as indicated in the April 14 minutes.  Erik moved to adopt the amended April 14, 2004 minutes.  Arthur seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:
Ben indicated that he is pursuing a new bank for KFNA’s banking needs.  Currently, several former board members have authorization to sign KFNA checks despite Ben’s requests to Wells Fargo that the names be removed.  Niki suggested he consider First National Bank of the Lakes because it is independent and offers more personalized service.  Erik asked Ben to bring a list of prospective banks to a future board meeting to gain board approval.

The board agreed that KFNA’s bookkeeper, Nancy, should attend the board’s June meeting to discuss various expense items.  Arthur moved to adopt the treasurer’s report.  Sean seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports:
David Motzenbecker urged the NRP Steering Committee to refrain from spending any additional money at MLK park including the the $23,000 which theoretically remainedremaining from the renovation of the MLK Park’s multi-media room but was Plan Modified away from the strategy at the April 2003 Annual Meeting.   until it is determined how much the Minneapolis Park Board owes KFNA.  Sarah said the project’s contract was never closed and that the Park Board has erroneously claimed the remainder and billed KFNA an equal amount.  She said the Park Board indicated that it soon hopes to remedy the situation, but because KFNA never received a final bill on the project, it may be hard to prove that KFNA does not owe the Park Board this money.  .

Arthur reminded committees to elect chairs of each body and to submit a roster of active committee members to David Motzenbecker for approval.

David Motzenbecker urged the festival committee to pursue new, free bands for the July 31 event.  Mari offered to help find these acts.  Sean indicated that the committee is pursuing free entertainment.

Sarah distributed the committee sign-up sheet.  David Motzenbecker asked each board member to sign-up to serve on at least one committee.  Sarah said that task forces do not require formal, approved membership.

Goals for 2004-2005:
David Motzenbecker asked for ideas about what projects the board would like to pursue for the next year, and methods for increasing revenue.  Arthur asked Sean to clarify Sean’s goal to have the board approve an annual budget.  Sean said that optimally the board would approve a list of activities, the staff would create a corresponding budget, and the board would vote on the budget before the annual meeting.  Sean also suggested that the board consider devoting more staff resources to grant writing.  Sarah said the job posting for NRP Project Organizer requested grant writing experience.

Dave Saddoris asked if KFNA historically tried to raise revenue from events.  Mari discussed the possibility of raising funds through dues or membership in KFNA.  Rosemary opposed such an idea.  David Motzenbecker asked board members to think more about projects and programs they would like to implement in the next year.

Old Business:
David Motzenbecker announced that Mulroy’s sought approval from the KFNA Zoning Sub-Committee and KFNA Redevelopment Committee to combine operations from his 43rd and Nicollet shop and 43rd Street shop to at Nicollet and 39th Street.  . To move his operations he was required to file for a zoning change combined with a Conditional Use Permit or a Non-Conforming Use Permit.  The zoning he requested was a C4; this was denied by the committees and the city.  The neighborhood supported his move with a Non-Confomring Use Permit or, if needed, an up-zoning to C2.  David Motzenbecker said that neither he nor KFNA received any negative responses about the zoning change following a notice being mailed to homes in a predetermined radius.  The city council is expected to vote on the zoning change in the coming months.

Sarah reported that a successor for Liz Gibson-Gasset, NRP Project Organizer, has not been hired.  KFNA offered the job to a candidate but she declined.  Interviews with two different candidates are expected next week.  If neither of those candidates is suitable, Sarah said that she would consider reposting the job.  Sean asked if a candidate is offered the job can the person start working without board approval.  Sarah said the hiring would be contingent on receiving board approval.

Sarah said that four artists were paired last night with businesses to initiate four neighborhood murals.  Painting is scheduled to begin July 14.  Sarah also discussed the prospect of a mosaic in Kingfield, possibly at King Park.

New Business:
David Motzenbecker discussed the creation of KFNA loans for helping small businesses in the neighborhood.  He cited the example of Nook and Cranny, a lawn care service that operates out of the owner’s home, which is looking to expand but may move out of Kingfield.  David said KFNA could help in such a case with closing costs for acquiring a new building, relocation costs, or issuing a forgivable loan dependent.

Erik asked if Nook and Cranny would move out of Kingfield without assistance from KFNA.  If no, then KFNA should consider how to maximize its role in aiding businesses.  Sarah mentioned that creating something similar to the low-interest loan business-match program offered through the city’s office of Community Planning and Economic Development) could also be considered.  David Motzenbecker said the matter will be discussed further at a future board meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Sean Wherley, Board Secretary.

David Motzenbecker                                       Sean Wherley
President                                                         Secretary

KING FIELD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

APRIL 14, 2004

Board members present:  David Muschenheim, Paige Fitzgerald, David Moztenbecker, Tony Aspholm, Tom Buller, Art Knowles, Martha Ingram, Erik Lindseth, Sean Wherley, Rosemary Dolata, Thor Anderson

Board members absent:  Ben Kristensen

Others present:  Robyn Repya, Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Liz Gibson-Gasset, Erik Linnes Bagley, and Sarah’s sister.

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM.

Community Forum – no issues raised.

Secretary’s report
It was clarified that Rosemary will explain the CHI at the annual meeting rather than David.  The amended minutes were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
Sean questioned the purpose of $638 payment to Steve Jevning.  It was for the Greenway Project.  The receipts are on file.  The motion to accept the February and March reports passed unanimously.

Annual Meeting Planning
Elected officials have been invited to attend: City council members Nizolek and Lillegren, State Representatives Walker and Horenstein and Senator Dibble, and County Commissioner Dorfman.  The agenda is:

Pot-luck
General Overview
Reports on Board activities by board members, six presenters
Election
Nominations
Speeches and questions
Voting
Elected Officials presentations
Election results

Board members should wear their tee shirts.  Volunteer sign up sheets and a donation jar will be available.

CHI Update
The CHI plan was circulated to board members.  The three tracts are designed to run concurrently.  The next meeting will be May 6.  A core group will work and two large events will happen to reach out to the neighborhood.
We will work with the Lyndale Neighborhood with them as a stakeholder.  KFN is the main sponsor of the project that runs from 32nd to 46th Streets along Nicollet Avenue.

Lighting Project
The City has allocated $182,000 for new lights on Nicollet.  We need to continue advancing this project.

Hiring Update
Forty-seven people applied for the job.  The Human Resources committee will select candidates to be interviewed and David and Sarah will do the interviewing. Sean moved that a job offer be made to the most qualified person with final approval being made by the board at its next meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Mural Task Force
The Mural Committee has issued calls for artists, businesses with walls available for painting and for youth artists.  There is a need for board members to be liaisons with each of the mural projects.
Five people have volunteered to be on the committee:  Tony Ortega, an artist; Ricky Valens, owner of Victors Café; Ellen Keller, youth artist; Erik Lindseth, board member; and Kevin Blackwell from the neighborhood.  It was moved to appoint these five people to the Ad Hoc Committee for the Mural Projects.  The motion passed with out dissent.

35W Access Project
Sean reported that the Access Project is now connected to the Cross town Project with a total cost of $460M.  The Access portion has risen in price from $152M to $260M since January.  The State has committed funds for 2009 for the Access project.  The environmental assessment has been delayed.  No one is certain when it will happen.  The fifth lane in the middle of the roadway could become a toll lane.  The State is advocating for this.  Senator Dibble and Representative Horenstein are opposed to toll lanes.  It is not clear who has the final ay in these matters.  The highway will be at its capacity when it opens.

Festival
The King Field Neighborhood Festival is Saturday July 31st.  Board members need to help with the planning.

Hazardous Waste Drop Off
Saturday June 26 neighborhood residents will be able to drop off household hazardous was at the Park Board facility at 38th and Dupont.  Gay Noble and Dan Nizolek got things moving on the City side for this project.

The Newsletter deadline is Friday.

Martha graduates from law school on May 15.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Minutes submitted by Tony Aspholm

Board President, Board Secretary,

KINGFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING

MARCH 10, 2004

Board members present:  Tom Buller, Art Knowles, David Motzenbecker, Tony Aspholm, Erik Lindseth, Rosemary Dolata, Sean Wherley, Martha Ingram, Thor Anderson, Ben Kristensen

Board members not attending:  David Muschenheim, Paige Fitzgerald

Others present:  Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Robyn Repya

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.

Community Forum—no topics were raised for discussion.

Secretary’s Report
The minutes were corrected to read:

The $679.45 in the Treasurer’s report consisted of $675 of rent categorized incorrectly, and $4.45 printing expense.  The 35W Access Project report stated that a public meeting would be held in March that is not scheduled.  The funding for the project is $152M.  The Conflict of interest policy needs review and approval.  The recent proposal is modeled on policies recommended by the Attorney General’s Office.  The Redevelopment Committee will remove Heather Martens and Mary Vanderford and add Margaret Sines.
The amended minutes were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
There are no problems currently.  The report is difficult to distribute in time for the Board Meetings because we now receive our bank statement at the end of the month just before the board meeting.  Approval was postponed definitely until the next meeting.

Other minutes
The Newsletter Committee is to be complimented for their hard work.  People like the new format.

Annual Meeting
There are no by-law changes or NRP program changes that need approval at the meeting this year.\
Six board members will remain on the board for another year and seven will be elected to a two-year term.
Speakers at the meeting could include the City Council members, Senator Dibble, Representative Horenstein, and the Mayor.  Board members making presentations include David Motzenbecker—Corridor Housing Initiative, Thor—News Letter, Erik—Fundraising, Art—NRP, Sean—35W Access Project, and Sarah—Mural Projects.
Election nominations, speeches and questions will take at least an hour.  Board members should bring a dish to the potluck.

Hiring Update
A job description and ads are ready to list the job Liz has the week of March 8.  We hope to have someone hired by the annual meeting.  It is a half time position.  Liz will stay through July in some capacity for the start of the Farmer’s Market, the Garage Sale and the Festival.

Conflict of Interest Policy
Section 6, item 2, could exclude a person from voting but should not exclude the person from the discussion.  We will strike “discussion and.”
Section 6, we could add a second signature line to the statement for the second year of a board member’s term.
Section 3, item 5—strike the “s” on others.
Section 6, item 4 strikes the work “that.”
The Conflict of Interest Policy was approved unanimously as amended.

Mural Program
The scope of the mural services is sent to CPED for contracts to do the murals for the various business owners.  These murals are considered grants for façade improvement.  We need to submit application in April to receive funds in July.  The scope of services is outlined in the two-page proposal.  The proposal was approved with Rosemary abstaining.

CHI Grant
The kick off meeting is March 11, 7 PM at King Park.  The intent of the grant is to bring together groups from throughout the City to look at Nicollet Avenue for areas that could be used for affordable housing, transit, etc.  The grant is to do neighborhood outreach for the project.  The goal is to get something built.

Newsletter
Do Good Biz is the distributor for the new format Newsletter.  Thor distributed the latest copy and explained the format.  Discussion about layout and format was lively.  It was questioned if we should list all donors by name.  Some people prefer to be listed as anonymous.  It was suggested that articles about new businesses should list their names and addresses.

Habitat for Humanity
The house is built.  The open house has happened.  The new owners are living there.
KFNA committed $5,000 to the project early on.  We have not put this money into the project as yet.  We will send a letter to Habitat offering our donation if they are free to accept NRP money.
3618 First Avenue is being remodeled and will be part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul home tour the first weekend of May.

35W Access Project
Tony reported on a meeting March 9 that he attended for Sean.  Wells Fargo reported on the work to their campus on 28th Street and 5th Avenue.  When it is completed there will be 4300 people working there.  Allina discussed the recent decision to relocate 1000 of their employees to the Sears sites on Lake Street.
The Hennepin County board and the Minneapolis City Council will be voting on the project in the coming months.  The project is likely to pass each group.  Both the County and the City are requiring that the center lane of 35W be reserved for transit or HOV-3.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.

David Motzenbecker, President               Tony Aspholm, Secretary